Final answer:
The author suggests that the Ku Klux Klan's goals were undermined by a loss of public and official support, internal corruption and financial issues, and effective opposition from prominent organizations, culminating in a further reduction of influence during the Great Depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author develops the idea that the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) has been unsuccessful in its goals by highlighting several key factors that led to its decline. Initially, the condemnation of the Klan's actions and philosophy by mainstream conservatives and local officials, who previously might have tolerated the group's presence, marked a significant turning point. This denouncement was critical as it labeled the Klan's bigotry as un-American.
Furthermore, the KKK's own message, which was full of negativity and empty promises, eventually caused many of its members to lose enthusiasm. Additionally, corruption within the Klan surfaced through investigations which revealed embezzlement and financial irregularities. The resulting financial instability undermined the Klan's local chapters and increased internal dissent.
Moreover, public scandals, such as criminal acts by leading Klan members, eroded public support. High profile opposition from organizations like the NAACP and the Anti-Defamation League also played a role in challenging the Klan's viewpoints and actions, effectively diminishing their power. Ultimately, the Great Depression further sapped the Klan's resources and membership, reducing its influence significantly until its resurgence in the 1950s.